This is why government is appealing against Court of Appeal ruling on s233 CMA, PM explains

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim defended the government’s decision to appeal the ruling made by the Court of Appeal against section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act based on the fact that court rulings and reform efforts must be aligned.

“It’s not just about the court’s decision. The court gives its opinion, and we will examine it.

“If it aligns with the reform, then yes,” he told reporters after attending the Asean Law Forum 2025.

He also stressed that the government needs a balanced towards freedom to hold assemblies.

“I have some issues, as the Malay Rulers have asked if it (freedom to assemble) applies to palace grounds.

“So we need to think about that.

“So, even though we respect the Federal Court decision, (we need to look at) certain positions and areas that should not be open or allowed, namely the palaces and their surroundings,” he said.

The Court of Appeal declared that the terms “offensive” and “annoy” under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act are unconstitutional as they violate the protection of freedom of speech on August 19.

Yesterday Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) would appeal the ruling.